Dr Justin Varney added: "These businesses and organisations are at the heart of what makes Birmingham a great city to live, work and play in. They are economically vital to the City and working with C.H.E.F to connect them into the strategy and its implementation as we move forward is essential to making the vision for a better future for food industry."

These topics have been key to the Food System Strategy’s work streams focusing on food production connectivity, sustainable sourcing, food offer and diet transformation. Other work streams in the Strategy include minimising food waste and unsustainable packaging, facilitating a thriving local food economy and maximising training and employment, and improving food safety and standards within the city.

Conrad Brunton, Managing Director of Tonic Talent, said: "We are delighted that Birmingham City Council chose our C.H.E.F networking event to launch the Birmingham Food System Strategy publicly. I would like to thank George and his team at x+why for hosting the event and Justin for personally attending and delivering the keynotes. I am certain everyone who attended found the topic fascinating, and I look forward to speaking to people to learn how they have engaged with it."

Lewis Walker, Deputy Head of Birmingham College of Food at University College Birmingham said: “It was fantastic to bring the Food System Strategy to Birmingham’s thriving and vibrant hospitality sector and facilitate conversations around how the city can support and enhance the food revolution. This vital work brings together so many facets of the local food culture and I’m incredibly proud and excited that The Birmingham College of Food are able to work so closely in raising its profile.”

Passionate about working within the food industry? Discover our courses in our course A-Z or find out more about our Birmingham College of Food.